Server Chassis Deflection via Cable Tensioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Datacenter racks face sagging issues due to combined weight payloads of components, which can lead to interference with adjacent chassis, either by sagging into lower berths or protruding into upper ones, limiting the use of desirable component combinations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a mechanical chassis component with a pre-formed arch-like or pre-bend shape that can adjust its profile through a tensioning system, including a mechanical cable and tensioner, to mitigate sagging while avoiding overcompensation, allowing for customizable stiffness and height adjustment to accommodate varying weight loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If desirable component combinations are installed in a chassis, then functional capability is improved, but the combined weight payload overloads the chassis causing sagging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent combination capabilityVSAvoidchassis load-bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis base is pre-formed with an arch-like shape before components are installed. This preliminary structural preparation creates built-in upward support that counteracts the downward force of heavy component combinations, allowing desirable components to be installed without overloading the chassis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis base incorporates an arch-like curved shape instead of a flat structure. This curvature provides inherent structural strength and distributes the weight of components more effectively, preventing sagging while supporting desirable heavy component combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Strength

If chassis sagging is prevented by increasing structural stiffness, then sagging is mitigated, but the chassis may protrude into upper berths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechassis stiffnessVSAvoidchassis height

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis base profile is made adjustable rather than fixed. A tensioning system with mechanical cables and turnbuckles allows dynamic adjustment of the arch-like shape, enabling the chassis to achieve optimal stiffness without excessive height that would cause protrusion into upper berths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The structural parameters of the chassis base (specifically the arch curvature and tension) can be changed through the tensioning system. This allows precise control over the balance between stiffness and height, preventing both sagging and protrusion into upper berths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If minimal clearance is used between vertically adjacent chassis, then space utilization is improved, but sagging causes interference with adjacent chassis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack space utilizationVSAvoidchassis interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The arch-like shape is pre-formed in the chassis base before installation in the rack. This preliminary structural configuration ensures that even with minimal clearance between chassis, the pre-built upward support prevents sagging that would cause interference with adjacent chassis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The curved arch-like structure of the chassis base provides inherent resistance to sagging, allowing minimal clearance between vertically adjacent chassis without causing interference. The curvature distributes loads effectively to maintain proper spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution effectively prevents sagging into lower berths and interference with upper components, allowing for the use of a wide range of component combinations without overloading, while also increasing the chassis's stiffness to withstand transit and environmental shocks.

Implementation Method 1

The assembly can include a mechanical cable and/or tensioner coupled with the chassis base and configured to adjust an amount of tension in the mechanical cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

The mechanical chassis component may exhibit an arch-like shape, such as may be formed by an overall pre-bow or with an overall pre-bend

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11716827B1Server chassis deflection driven by cable tensioning

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

A computing equipment box assembly can include a mechanical chassis component, which can include a support sheet configured for supporting computing components. A plurality of passages can be formed through the support sheet. A mechanical cable can be routable down through at least one of the passages and up through at least one other of the passages. A tensioner can be couplable with the cable and adjustable to modify an amount of tension in the cable so as to alter an amount of pre-bow or pre-bend present in the mechanical chassis component. For example, the mechanical cable may be tensioned to apply a force to the support sheet and counteract an upward pre-bend or pre-bow so that the computing components are prevented from protruding into an adjacent upper volume for an upper computer server overhead and from sagging into an adjacent lower volume for a lower computer server underneath.